The first four beats below form an entry into the move, and follow the same rhythm pattern as the first half
of the Balboa Basic (12x4). However, once the Paddle Turns proper begin, the rhythm pattern is different
from other Balboa moves, consisting of a step on every beat for the whole time that the move is repeated
(56781234…).
This change in rhythm pattern is a surprise for the follower, who is expecting one of the normal Balboa
rhythm patterns. As such, the leader needs to use his right arm and the dancers' torso contact to firmly
lead the steps.
During the repeating part of the move, the dancers' weight stays mostly on one side—on the left foot
for the leader, right foot for the follower. Each step on the other foot (right for leader, left for
follower) is a brief "push-off" to keep the momentum of the rotation going. This gives the name of the move:
the pushing foot is "paddling" the dancers around.
To finish the move, the leader transitions back to the Balboa Basic using the Balboa Entry sequence.
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1. M:BL W:FR Start from an closed position, with the leader's left hand holding the follower's right hand. The leader takes a step backward on his left foot. The follower takes a step forward on her right foot.
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2. M:TR W:TL The leader closes his right foot to his left foot. The follower closes her left foot to her right foot.
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3. M:PefL W:PbR The leader points slightly forward with his left foot, sliding the foot forwards along the floor. The follower points backward with her right foot, sliding the foot backwards.
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4. M:TL W:TR The leader closes his left foot to his right foot, leaning his body to his left so that. The follower closes her right foot to her left foot, leaning her body to her right.
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5. M:TR1L W:TL1L The leader closes his right foot to his left foot, pushing around with the toe of the right foot and rotating with most of his weight still on the ball of his left foot. The follower closes her left foot to her right foot, pushing around with her left toe and keeping most of her weight on her right foot.
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6. M:RL1L W:RR1L The leader replaces his weight on his left foot, continuing to turn slightly to his left. The follower replaces her weight on her right foot, continuing to turn slightly to her left.
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7. M:TR1L W:TL1L The leader closes his right foot to his left foot, continuing to turn slightly to his left, pushing around with the toe of the right foot. The follower closes her left foot to her right foot, continuing to turn slightly to her left, pushing around with the toe of the left foot.
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8. M:RL1L W:RR1L The leader replaces his weight on his left foot, continuing to turn slightly to his left. The follower replaces her weight on her right foot, continuing to turn slightly to her left. The leader can keep repeating these two beats so that the couple rotates on the spot, until he leads an exit.
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